Westminster College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Stephen R. Morgan as Westminster College’s 18th president. President Morgan has been serving as acting president since February when Dr. Brian Levin-Stankevich announced his retirement from Westminster. A formal inauguration will take place in September.

President Morgan has devoted more than 30 years to Westminster in various administrative roles, most recently as the vice president of the Office of Institutional Advancement. During his tenure, he led the growth of the college’s endowment to more than $70 million and directed fundraising for major construction projects, including the Giovale Library, renovations to the Gore School of Business and the Shaw Center, and the construction of the Emma Eccles Jones Conservatory, the Dolores Doré Eccles Health, Wellness, & Athletic Center and the Meldrum Science Center. Morgan received his BA in accounting from the University of Utah and is a certified public accountant (CPA). His wife and their three children are all Westminster graduates. Morgan has served on the executive cabinet of six presidents at Westminster College. Read more

North Central’s Pandian Honored at Commencement for 30 Years of Leadership in Academics

The hundreds of faculty candidates who’ve visited campus the past 20 years typically ended their interviews in the office of R. Devadoss Pandian, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. In his fifth floor office of Old Main, they all learned about his passion for teaching—and the No. 1 qualification for working at North Central College.

“You have to teach to every student in the class and in a class of 30 or 35 students, that’s not a small thing,” says Pandian, describing the qualities of a great teacher.

His legacy at North Central, as he retires June 30, will be the careful shaping of a culture of inquiry and supportive environment for teaching and mentoring. Pandian has helped hire more than 75 percent of the faculty who will be teaching in fall 2015. He also holds the distinction as the College’s longest serving dean.

Pandian has championed collaborative research, professional development, self-governance and recognition programs like Ruge Fellows. “Teaching is always first, but he understands that the best teachers are engaged scholars with creative approaches to helping students find their own paths,” says Stephen Maynard Caliendo, professor of political science. “He has been a tireless advocate for the faculty in an effort to ensure that students get the most out of their North Central experiences.” Read more

NAC&U Ambassador & University of La Verne Professor Kat Weaver’s Biology Students Blog About Their Summer Research

Six students and faculty from the University of La Verne’s Biology Department embarked on their annual summer research trip to Magpie Ranch in Drummond, Mont., to explore and conduct research for projects they are working on and will continue to work on this fall. The group, including Associate Professor of Biology Kat Weaver, made their way through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Sundance, Utah and Teton National Park before arriving at their destination at Magpie Ranch.On this trip, the students have immersed themselves in the fields collecting aquatic insect samples for their Marine and Freshwater class, surveying creeks and rivers for metal containments that could possibly affect animal life, observing Mountain Bluebirds to gather data on brood parasitism and more.

“It is a great opportunity for our students to see another part of the country and to gain hands-on experience researching our natural world,” said Prof. Kat Weaver. Read more

Ohio Northern University Professor, Student Awarded Best Paper, Third Place at American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference

Dr. John K. Estell, Ohio Northern University professor of computer engineering and computer science, and ONU student David Reeping, a senior in engineering education, were recipients of the Best Paper Award, Third Place, from the First-Year Programs Division of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) during the 122nd ASEE Annual Conference held in Seattle, Wash. Their paper, “Providing Authentic Experiences in the First Year: Designing

Educational Software in Support of Service Learning Activities,” describes engineering education majors who acted as clients to teams of first-year students in Estell’s Programming 2 course. Read more

Belmont Launches Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships

What’s the concentration of vitamins in orange juice? How can waste destruction processes be improved? What are the benefits (or lack of) in buying organic produce? Those are just a few of the research questions being tackled by sixteen students participating in Belmont’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, or SURFs, program.

Based on the vision of Chemistry and Physics Department Chair Dr. Robert Magruder and supported by six faculty members, SURFs offers a unique opportunity for students studying chemistry and physics to try their hand at a long-term research project. For some, the summer will be spent working on senior projects, a requirement for graduation. Other participants are continuing work thought up by their research advisor and project mentor.

Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Thom Spence said SURFs came out of the desire to strengthen the undergraduate research culture at Belmont and allow students the opportunity to engage in research early in their collegiate careers. Designed to augment the established Summer Scholars Program which supports the research of 23 rising seniors in the Biology Department, the SURFs program affords students the opportunity to engage in research early in their collegiate careers. Emphasizing the difference between learning science and engaging with it, Spence said both aspects of a scientific education are vital to a student’s success. Read more

Redlands Students Participate in Summer Science Research Program

The summer program at the University of Redlands allows students to work alongside a professor and experience the full spectrum of research trial and error. David Espinoza ’16 works under the tutelage of Chemistry Professor Henry Acquaye in the University’s Hedco labs. “The most surprising aspect of the experience is that you are thrown into research on day one,” David said. “And the most satisfying aspect is just how much I was able to learn and how independent I became in the lab.” Read more

Manhattan Appoints McManness as VP of Finance/CFO

Matthew S. McManness has been appointed as vice president for finance and chief financial officer at Manhattan College. McManness, who has been serving as interim VP/CFO since April, brings a wealth of experience in all aspects of higher education finance.

During the course of his distinguished 36-year career, McManness has held positions in financial operations, human resources, auxiliary services, advancement, facilities and capital development. McManness has most recently served as vice president for finance and administration at La Salle University. Read more

Wagner Recognized Among Top Five Nationwide for Internships

According to U.S. News, Wagner College is one of only five colleges or universities across the nation where all undergraduates undertake internships as part of their work toward a bachelor's degree. Read more

Manhattan College to Formally Recognize School of Liberal Arts in Fall 2015

Beginning in the fall 2015 semester, Manhattan College will change the name of its School of Arts to the School of Liberal Arts, reflecting the school’s distinct emphasis on a liberal arts curriculum in a variety of disciplines. Read more

Westminster Students Bring an Analog Relic into the Digital Age

Rotary phones, floppy discs, 8-track tapes—once a piece of tech is sent to the graveyard it’s difficult to resurrect. But The Myriad is one analog treasure a group of Westminster students found and raised from the dead.

The Myriad, Westminster’s academic journal, was printed on paper —archaic, right—and distributed around campus where it was overlooked for years. The last known publication dated back to 2008, and the journal was all but forgotten.

Then, in the fall of 2014, a few students were searching for a way to showcase the interesting research being done at Westminster. They stumbled upon archives of The Myriad and began overhauling it to not only fit in today’s digital world, but to also make it appealing to new audiences. The result is one of the first digital, interactive academic journals in the world that pushes the traditions of academia. Read more

The Widener University Board of Trustees took several actions at their May meeting to honor President James T. Harris III who is leaving the university at the end of July to become president of the University of San Diego.

The board voted to name the new residence hall at Providence Avenue and 15th Street James T. Harris III Hall. The residence hall will house 200 students and will include space for a living-learning community. Expected to be completed in time for the opening of the fall semester, Harris Hall will be the first new residence hall on campus since 2006.

In addition, the trustees approved a scholarship in honor of President Harris and his wife, Mary. The James T. and Mary C. Harris III Scholarship will be given annually to a graduate student on the Main Campus with a strong academic record and demonstrated involvement in community activities. Members of the Widener community raised more than $100,000 to establish the endowed scholarship which was announced at a reception in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Harris.

Lastly, the trustees voted to award Harris President Emeritus status in honor of his 13 years of service to the university. Read more

NAC&U Members Named as Colleges of Distinction

Nearly half of NAC&U members were named among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction for providing innovative, teacher-centered undergraduate education and preparing graduates for real-world success. Members included in the list include:

Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators and admissions professionals, the website and college guide profiles more than 220 of America’s best bets in higher education honors colleges that excel in four areas of undergraduate education: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant learning communities and successful outcomes.

Aside from the academic experience offered at the institutions selected, Colleges of Distinction are also chosen based on their first year program and experimental components of the curriculum. The organization believes institutions should be judged on what they are doing now and the development of their strategic plan, instead of their prestige historically.

The institutions will be profiled on the Colleges of Distinction website and in the official Colleges of Distinction eGuidebook,which will be available via online retailers and distributed free-of-charge to more than 40,000 high school and community college counselors.

University of Evansville Featured in Chronicle of Higher Education Special Report

The University of Evansville is currently featured in a special report - What it Takes to Make the Class - in the Chronicle of Higher Education. The article details how UE encourages potential students to apply and those admitted to enroll at the University. Read the article.

University of Redlands Names New Provost

The University of Redlands has named Dr. Kathy Ogren, currently dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and associate provost, as the new provost of the University beginning June 1, 2015. Dr. Ogren replaces Dr. David Fite, who is stepping down as interim provost and chief academic officer to return to teaching following a sabbatical leave.

North Central College Breaks Ground on “Transformative” New Science Center

North Central College will build a new Science Center that ranks among the most transformative facility upgrades in the College’s 154-year history. The 125,000-square-foot Science Center will address changes in how science is taught across disciplines. The new facility combines teaching and laboratory space, collaborative research space and more communal areas to foster interdisciplinary conversations. Read more

NSF Grant Extends Samford’s Undergraduate Research Project

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has renewed funding for a project proposed by Samford University biological and environmental sciences professor Malia Fincher. Samford's Howard College of Arts and Sciences will receive approximately $329,774 over the next three years for the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program.

The nine-week REU program, led by Fincher with co-principal investigator Betsy Dobbins, unites students and faculty mentors from the fields of biology, chemistry, geography and pharmaceutical sciences to work collaboratively on projects in Alabama’s Oak Mountain State Park. REU participants perform full-time research and participate in weekly workshops on professional skills, career opportunities and the graduate school application process. Read more

Hampton Launches Hispanic/Latino Initiative

The Hampton University University College (HUUC) recently launched a Hispanic/Latino initiative with the goal of creating cultural awareness among the campus and local communities and increasing enrollment of Hispanic/Latino students at Hampton University. HUUC is the branch of HU that caters to continuing education and non-traditional students. Read more

Ohio Northern University to Establish Rural Community Mobile Health Clinic

The Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy has been awarded a Health Resources and Services Administration grant to establish a multidisciplinary rural mobile clinic to provide health care for residents of Hardin County, Ohio. The grant, totaling, $572,973 over three years, will fund an innovative model that will employ a community mobile clinic using a multidisciplinary team of ONU faculty and students and interdisciplinary health care specialists under the supervision of licensed professionals to deliver educational outreach and health care services. The goals of the community clinic are to increase access to care, improve health knowledge, improve health outcomes and connect patients to primary medical homes whenever possible. The clinic is expected to be in operation by fall 2015.
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Michael Hardin Named Samford University’s New Provost

J. Michael Hardin has been appointed as Samford University’s new provost, effective July 1. Hardin currently serves as dean of the Culverhouse College of Commerce at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and will replace J. Bradley Creed, Samford’s provost since 2002. Read more

Pacific Lutheran Welcomes New Vice President of Finance and Administration

Pacific Lutheran University welcomed new Vice President of Finance & Administration Allan Belton recently. Belton is an accomplished business and community leader with exceptional integrity and deep expertise in financial management, business operations and governance, strategic planning, project and performance measurement, and human resources management. Belton most recently served as Managing Director and Chief Operations Officer at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he developed and managed strategic partnerships, business processes, governance, and performance management across a global treasury enterprise and led a team of 60 finance, treasury and operations professionals.

Sage President Susan C. Scrimshaw Appointed Co-chair of IOM Forum

President of The Sage Colleges Susan C. Scrimshaw has been appointed Co-chair of the Institute of Medicine’s Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education (IHPE).

“Being appointed Co-chair of this Forum is quite a privilege,” explained President Scrimshaw. "The Forum grew out of the Lancet Commission which reported in that Journal on the future of health professions education. I served on that Commission, and am now delighted to have the opportunity to further the work of rethinking how health professionals are defined, educated and how they relate to each other, to communities and to the social determinants of health." Read more

Brookings Rankings Include NAC&U Members, Including Manhattan College at #9

A new report by the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program seeks to measure the contributions made by two- and four-year colleges to the economic outcomes of its graduates. Manhattan College ranked ninth among more than 7,000 colleges and universities in predicted vs. actual salary. The University of Scranton was ranked among the top 50 colleges in the nation and second in Pennsylvania based on its earning scale for alumni at mid-career level. Ohio Northern University was ranked fourth in Ohio.

John Carroll, Nazareth Appoint New Deans

John Carroll Appoints Dean of College of Arts and Sciences

Margaret Farrar, Ph.D., has been appointed as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of political science. Dr. Farrar will begin serving as dean on July 1, 2015. Dr. Farrar most recently served as associate dean at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Read more

Nazareth College Welcomes Dianne Oliver as College of Arts and Sciences Dean

Nazareth has named Dianne Oliver as its new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Oliver is currently a professor and associate dean at the University of Evansville in Indiana. Oliver begins as dean at Nazareth on July 27. Read more

Hamline University Names Dr. Fayneese Miller as 20th President

Dr. Fayneese Miller, dean of the College of Education and Social Services and professor of leadership and developmental sciences at the University of Vermont, has been named the 20th president of Hamline University. She will be the first African American president in the history of Hamline University and the university’s second female president. Dr. Miller will assume office on July 1, 2015. Read more

Westminster Announces Dr. Lisa Gentile as New Provost

Westminster College has selected Lisa Gentile, Ph.D., as the new provost for the college. Dr. Gentile, Westminster’s former dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, will begin her position on March 30. "Dr. Gentile brings more than 16 years of academic and higher education leadership experience to the provost position,” said Steve Morgan, Westminster’s acting president. Read more

NSF Awards Grants to Manhattan, Westminster to Support STEM Students

Manhattan College was recently awarded nearly $600,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund engineering scholarships for college freshmen. The NSF grant will award 12 scholarships to academically qualified and financially needy students (six in 2015 and six in 2016) to pursue bachelor degree studies in civil and mechanical engineering. Read more

Westminster College has received a grant of $605,000 from the National Science Foundation to implement a scholarship and support program for students pursuing majors in Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics (CSPM). Starting in Fall 2016, the project will fund two six-student cohorts beginning in their first year, as well as two cohorts of three students each beginning in their sophomore year. Read more

USNews Ranks NAC&U Members’ Graduate Programs among Best in Nation

U.S. News & World Report ranked several of The University of Scranton’s master’s degree programs among America’s “Best Graduate Schools” in its 2016 guidebook. The University’s online graduate program in education ranked No. 13 in the nation. The University’s graduate program in nursing ranked No. 83. U.S. News also ranked several of the University’s graduate programs on its website, including: rehabilitation counseling (24); healthcare management (42); occupational therapy (69); physical therapy (99); and the University’s part-time, on-campus MBA program (140). Earlier this year, U.S. News ranked the University’s online MBA program No. 74 in the country. Read more

For the first time, master’s programs in Samford University’s Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing were ranked among the best in the nation. Samford’s nursing programs are in the top 17 percent of all accredited master’s programs in the country. Rankings were based on 13 quality indicators related to student selectivity and achievement, faculty resources, research activity, and peer assessments of quality and specialties. Read more

North Central College is one of five institutions nationwide to receive a 2015 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internation-alization. This prestigious award recognizes colleges and universities that are making significant, well-planned, well-executed and well-documented progress toward comprehensive internationalization using innovative and creative approaches. Read more

Five NAC&U Members Named Among Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students in 2014-15

Hampton University President Interviews on C-SPAN's Washington Journal

Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey appeared live on C-SPAN on February 5 to talk about issues that affect higher education and the state of historically black colleges and universities in the United States. Read more

John Carroll Joins IBM Watson Initiative

John Carroll University has joined the IBM Watson Academic Initiative, enabling students to use a cognitive technology that’s revolutionizing decision-making techniques and sharing expertise in healthcare, law, and other important fields. Through the partnership, JCU students will program Watson as part of “Radical Platforms,” a new course taught by Professor of Computer Science Daniel Palmer, Ph.D. Students in the course will explore and program a customized Watson for healthcare applications, including diagnosis support and physician training. Read more

St. Edward’s University and Capital Factory Form Partnership to Benefit Students

The Bill Munday School of Business at St. Edward’s University and Capital Factory, an Austin-based early-stage accelerator for tech startups, announced a partnership that will allow undergraduate and graduate business students at St. Edward’s to physically locate at Capital Factory and integrate directly into Austin’s entrepreneur community. The partnership also represents the first time Capital Factory has entered into a formal contractual relationship with a university to ensure a continuous presence of business students at the startup hub. For students, that means access to internships and jobs. For entrepreneurs, it means a direct pipeline to qualified job candidates with marketing, technology, problem-solving and leadership skills startups need to grow into thriving companies. According to the deal, St. Edward’s now has five “Cowork Lite” memberships at Capital Factory that give students access to shared workspaces where they can collaborate directly with other entrepreneurs. Five St. Edward’s business students are already taking advantage of the Cowork Lite memberships. Read more

The Next Frontier: Where is Higher Education Headed?

Wagner Magazine editor Laura Barlament took a sweeping look at several developments in higher education. Her section on "The Way of the Ugly Ducklings" mentioned NAC&U. Read more

NAC&U Members Included in USNews Best Online Programs

U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Online Programs ranked The University of Scranton, the University of La Verne and Stetson University’s online programs among the nation’s best.

The University of Scranton’s graduate program in education was ranked No. 13 and its MBA program was ranked No. 74 in the nation. Read more

U.S. News rated the University of La Verne’s online undergraduate offerings 18th best in the country, the third straight year La Verne has achieved a top 20 national ranking. And, for the second straight year, La Verne is No. 1 among California colleges and universities making the list of 297 institutions nationally that offer bachelor’s degree programs online. Read more

Stetson University’s Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) program earned recognition again in the category of Best Online Graduate Business Programs (excluding MBA) where it tied for 42 in the nation. Stetson tied for 93 in Online MBA and Graduate Business Programs specifically for the joint Master of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration program (Pharma/M.B.A.). Read more

Wagner College was ranked among the 209 best-value colleges in America by the Princeton Review in its new guidebook, “Colleges That Pay You Back: The 200 Best Value Colleges and What It Takes to Get In – 2015 Edition.” While based on the original “Best Colleges” book from the Princeton Review, editors say that the new “Colleges That Pay You Back” guide is designed to address two particular concerns of college applicants and their parents: paying for college, and graduating with a good job and paycheck. Read more

University of Evansville’s Study Abroad Program in Harlaxton Ranked #1 in America

In a recent U.S. News analysis that compared universities’ spending with the educational quality they offer, Belmont University ranked No. 5 among its peers in the South region and was the highest ranked private University in that category, indicating the high efficiency of Belmont in providing excellent educational quality while keeping expenses low. Read more

Widener Among Most Underrated Colleges in America

Business Insider, a leading online business news site, has ranked Widener University seventh on its list of the Top 50 Most Underrated Colleges in America based on a comparison of the annual U.S. News & World Report college rankings to the mid-career salaries of college graduates. Read more

Hampton Selected for Pathways to Innovation Program by the NSF-funded National Center

Hampton University has been selected as one of 25 U.S. institutions for the Engineering Pathways to Innovation (Epicenter) to join the Pathways to Innovation Program by the NSF-funded National Center. The Pathways to Innovation Program is designed to help institutions fully incorporate innovation and entrepreneurship into undergraduate engineering education. The program is run by Epicenter, which is funded by the National Science Foundation and directed by Stanford University and VentureWell (formerly NCIIA). Read more

Samford’s Cumberland School of Law Exceeds $15 Million Campaign Goal

Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law has exceeded its “Pride. Promise. People.” campaign goal. As of the Dec. 31, 2014 conclusion, gifts and pledges totaling $17,208,602 had been received from 2,374 donors, representing the largest fundraising effort in the law school’s 168-year history. The public phase of the campaign ran from fall 2013 through 2014 with the unprecedented goal for Cumberland of raising $15 million. Individual gift amounts ranged from $5 to $2.8 million. Campaign co-chair Stan Starnes said the campaign objectives were to raise funds to support student scholarships, academic programs, and faculty enhancements. Read more

Scranton Program Allows Students to Experience Homelessness

"Trading Places," a new homeless immersion and awareness program ran for the first time through The University of Scranton's Center for Service and Social Justice. Students experienced "homelessness" for the first few days of the week-long program and then volunteered with programs that serve the homeless population in Scranton. Read more

Ohio Northern University Hires William Eilola as VP of Enrollment Management

Ohio Northern University President Daniel A. DiBiasio has announced the hiring of William Eilola as vice president for enrollment management at Ohio Northern University, effective April 1. Eilola, who has served as vice president for enrollment services and marketing at Lake Superior State University in Sainte Marie, Mich., since 2006, replaces Lawrence Lesick, who will be stepping down from his position after more than four years at ONU. Read more

John Carrescia Named CFO of Wagner

John Carrescia has been named Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance and Business at Wagner College, a position he has filled on an interim basis since August. Carrescia fills the vacancy left by the departure of former CFO Bill Mea. Previously, John served as the college’s controller and previously filled in as interim leader of finance and business during the illness of the late Tom Carroll. Read more

Stetson University Names New Dean of Students

Lynn Schoenberg, former executive director of Holistic Wellness at Stetson University, has been named Stetson’s Dean of Students, effective Jan. 1, 2015. A member of the Stetson community for eight years, Schoenberg’s initial focus was on health education, alcohol prevention and late night programming within the Campus Life and Student Success Division. In that capacity, she started the Wellness Interns (Peer Education) organization, the Reality Campaign (social norms marketing), BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention for College Students) Program, tobacco cessation, and was very involved in policy changes around wellness, including Medical Amnesty and Stetson’s implementing the Smoke/Tobacco Free policy. Read more

Westminster College established the Randy Horiuchi Endowed Political Fellowship, funded by generous contributions made in Horiuchi’s honor. The gifts make possible four internships with the Republican and Democratic state party chairs during statewide election years, twice as many fellowships as originally anticipated, because of overwhelming support. Read more

Manhattan College’s Student Commons Receives LEED Gold Certification

Manhattan College’s Raymond W. Kelly ’63 Student Commons, which officially opened in October 2014, recently achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is recognized around the world as the premier mark of achievement in the design, construction and operation of green buildings. The $45 million student commons is the College’s first LEED building on campus.
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Samford University Provost Named as Campbell University President

The Campbell University board of trustees unanimously approved the selection of Samford University Provost and Executive Vice President J. Bradley Creed as Campbell’s next president. He will succeed Jerry M. Wallace, who will step down June 30 following 12 years as president. Creed has served as Samford’s chief academic officer since 2002 after serving as associate provost for one year. When he assumes the presidency July 1, he will become just the fifth president in Campbell’s 128-year history. Campbell is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, near Raleigh, and has historic ties to North Carolina Baptists. Read more

NAC&U Members Named Among Kiplinger’s Best Value Colleges

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has included Belmont University, Valparaiso University, Drury University, Samford University, and the University of Evansville on its list of the country’s 100 Best Value Colleges in private universities for 2015.

Valparaiso University and Pacific Lutheran University have been designated as 2015 STEM JobsSM Approved Colleges by Victory Media. The list is the first of its kind to rate universities and colleges on their responsiveness and relevance to high demand, high growth STEM occupations.

New Survey Ranks North Central College No. 8 Among Illinois Colleges and Universities

On a list topped by the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, the 2015 Niche Rankings place North Central College No. 8 among 36 public and private four-year institutions in the state. Niche.com has been surveying college students for opinions for 12 years with its College Prowler website, though this is the first time it has ranked schools. Read more

Doug Howard Appointed Dean of Belmont’s Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business

Belmont University appointed Doug Howard, founder of Vandermont Music Group and former senior vice president of A&R for Lyric Street Records/Walt Disney Company, to the position of dean for the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business, effective January 1, 2015. Howard fills a position held for nine years by Dr. Wes Bulla, who announced earlier this year his intention to return to a full-time teaching position. Read more

University of Evansville Appoints New Executive Director of the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana

The University of Evansville appointed Dr. Jill Griffin as the Executive Director of the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana. Dr. Griffin is currently Director of the GAP Program and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Evansville. Read more

Pacific Lutheran Professor, Student Recognized with Statewide Awards

Pacific Lutheran University Assistant Professor Elisabeth Esmiol Wilson and student Sunita Benning-Cho ’15 have been honored with awards from the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Wilson received the Educator of the Year award, which honors a faculty member who demonstrates creative and innovative teaching abilities, fosters and maintains strong relationships with students, and is published in the field of marriage and family therapy. Benning-Cho received the Student Member of the Year award, given to a current student who demonstrates academic and clinical excellence while offering unique contributions to his or her learning community. Wilson and Benning-Cho are working together on an ongoing research project studying the experiences of therapists-in-training who use client feedback to improve therapeutic alliance. Read more

Widener Advancement Head Named Professional of the Year

Linda Durant, senior vice president for university advancement at Widener University, had been named Professional of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II. The award recognizes a District II institutional advancement professional who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in the development of an institutional advancement program or innovative execution of programs within the area of advancement, contributed to the profession through work with CASE, and volunteered in service to the community or charitable organizations. Read more

Nazareth Announces 3 + 3 Program with Syracuse Law School

Nazareth College will partner with Syracuse University College of Law on a new program that offers highly motivated prospective legal students a combined six-year bachelor’s and law degree. The six-year program consists of three years at Nazareth and three years at Syracuse Law. Read more

Drury Forms Academic Partnership with Kansas City’s Barstow School

The leaders of Drury University and the Barstow School in Kansas City signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday that will help bolster both schools’ commitment to academic excellence and engaged global learning. Barstow is an independent, co-educational college preparatory school in Kansas City. Founded in 1884, the school boasts a rich academic tradition, with a special commitment to international learning through affiliate schools in China, Japan, Germany and Australia. Read more

The Kern Family Foundation has awarded a grant of $1.21 million to the T.J. Smull College of Engineering at Ohio Northern University to encourage further work in instilling the entrepreneurial mindset in engineering undergraduates from 2015 through 2018. The grant is to be the largest programmatic grant Ohio Northern University has received from a private foundation. Read more

North Central College Names Abiodun Goke-Pariola Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty

North Central College has named Dr. Abiodun “GP” Goke-Pariola its next vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. Dr. Goke-Pariola will begin his new role at North Central College on July 1 after serving most recently as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina. He previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Read more

Drury Appoints Dr. Steven Combs as VP for Academic Affairs

Drury University has appointed Dr. Steven C. Combs as its next Vice President for Academic Affairs. He begins January 26. Combs comes to Drury from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a public comprehensive university, where he has spent the past year as founding dean of the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. “Drury University has a tradition of excellence that I have been aware of since I was a graduate student at the University of Kansas,” Combs said. “From its exceptional faculty and staff to its committed alumni, administration and Board of Trustees, Drury has strong organizational DNA. I am delighted to stand shoulder to shoulder with this community, working together for something they love.” Read more

Carnegie Names Samford Fournier Alabama Professor of the Year

Samford University geography professor Eric J. Fournier has been named the 2014 Alabama Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Fournier was recognized for his superb teaching skills at the U.S. Professors of the Year awards ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Professors of the Year program salutes the most outstanding undergraduate instructors in the country—those who excel in teaching and positively influence the lives and careers of students. The program is sponsored by Carnegie and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

A Samford faculty member since 1997, Fournier served as chair of the geography department for 12 years. He was recently named director of Samford’s Center for Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (CTLS), a position that will allow him to continue in his teaching role. Read more

Nine NAC&U Members Recognized for Study Abroad Participation

The Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report ranked nine NAC&U members among top 40 masters institutions nationwide for study abroad participation. Arcadia University (#3), Hamline University (#6) and Belmont University (#29) were ranked among top masters institutions in Total Number of Students Participating in Study Abroad. Several more members were ranked among the top masters institutions for Undergraduate Participation in Study Abroad, including Arcadia University (#1), Stetson University (#3), Pacific Lutheran University (#14), University of Redlands (#15), University of Evansville (#16), Samford University (#22), John Carroll University (#38), and Belmont University (#40). For more information: Arcadia: For Fifth Consecutive Year, Arcadia University Ranked First in U.S. in Study Abroad | Hamline: Study Abroad Leader | Stetson: International Student Enrollment Up 65 Percent

Sage President Susan C. Scrimshaw to Receive Career Achievement Award from the Society for Medical Anthropology

President of The Sage Colleges Susan C. Scrimshaw has been named the 2014 recipient of the Society for Medical Anthropology’s Career Achievement Award. The Career Achievement Award is presented bi-annually and honors an individual who has advanced the field of medical anthropology through career-long contributions to theory or method, and who has been successful in communicating the relevance of medical anthropology to broader publics. Read more

The University of Scranton Awarded $2 Million Economic Growth Initiative Grant

The University of Scranton was awarded a $2 million Economic Growth Initiative grant for its new center for rehabilitation education, a project that is estimated to have an $87.7 million regional economic impact. The 116,000-square-foot, eight-story center will house the school’s occupational therapy, physical therapy and exercise science academic departments when completed in August 2015. Read more

Caterpillar Foundation Awards Funding to Valparaiso University to Support Study Abroad in China

Valparaiso University has received funding from the Caterpillar Foundation to support study abroad in China, as a partner in the United States Department of State’s 100,000 Strong Initiative. Recognizing the importance of studying abroad to an increasingly globalized economy, the Caterpillar Foundation has designated funds to help those students who wish to study abroad in China but might not otherwise be able to have the opportunity. Study Abroad programs have a long history at Valparaiso University, with the first program in Cambridge and Germany going back nearly 50 years. The study center in Hangzhou, China, is celebrating 25 years as one of the longest running academic exchanges between the United States and China. Read more

Belmont University President Unveils Vision for the Future

Belmont University President Dr. Bob Fisher unveiled the University’s Vision 2020 to a room full of students, faculty, staff and alumni. The Vision, comprised of seven strategic priorities that will guide Belmont through the next five years, integrates the University’s values of integrity, inquiry, collaboration, service and humility to build what Vision 2020 calls, “Nashville’s University.” With Vision 2015 coming to a conclusion, the University is looking toward the future with a strong emphasis on student-centeredness, Christian character and a people-first culture, among other things. Read more

Hampton University President Receives the TMCF Educational Leadership Award

Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey was awarded the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) 2014 Educational Leadership Award. The Educational Leadership Award is the highest volunteer award presented to an individual who has a demonstrated record of commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and education. The Educational Leadership Award is presented annually to a president of an HBCU who has demonstrated outstanding business, academic and visionary leadership through effective management of his or her institution. Read more

Hampton Provost Named Interim President of Virginia State

Pamela Hammond, provost at Hampton University, was named interim president at Virginia State University. She will take over Jan. 1 and will be the first female president in the college’s 133-year history, according to a statement from VSU.

“Virginia State University has a remarkable history and a compelling story,” Hammond said as part of her introductory remarks, according to a statement from VSU. “We must communicate our message with clarity and consistency. We will communicate with our constituencies at each step. We cannot expect buy-in of our plan from our community if we do not offer input into that plan.” Read more

Military Times Ranks John Carroll, University of Evansville Among Nation’s Best Schools for Veterans

John Carroll University has ranked in the top 30 nationwide on the Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges 2015” four-year school list. John Carroll is the #1 Ohio school, the #5 private school, and #29 overall on the list of 100 colleges and universities. The University of Evansville also made the rankings list. Read more

The Daily Beast Ranks Manhattan College Among Top 25 with Best ROI

The Daily Beast recently placed Manhattan among the top 25 institutions in the country for return on investment, citing the College for providing graduates an opportunity to earn a strong starting salary and mid-career average salary. The College was the only religiously affiliated school on a list dominated by Ivy League schools, public flagships such as the University of California, Berkeley, and private research universities including Duke, MIT, Stanford and Vanderbilt. Read more

Ohio Northern University Announces Record Placement Rate for 2014 Graduates

The Office of Polar Careers at Ohio Northern University has announced a record 95 percent placement rate for students who graduated in 2014, according to its six-month assessment report. The new mark is up 1 percent from last year for those students who reported placement. Ninety-seven percent of the class of 2014 participated in the placement report. Read more

Redlands Alumni Couple Give $35 Million Gift

University of Redlands alumni couple Richard (Rich) and Virginia (Ginnie) Hunsaker, class of 1952, has conferred upon the institution its largest-ever single gift—$35 million—to establish a unique scholarship fund for deserving and talented students. Beginning with the freshman class entering in 2015, The Richard and Virginia Hunsaker Scholarship Prize will be awarded annually to eight incoming Redlands students. It is designed to attract excellent students from diverse backgrounds who have historically considered Redlands, but ended up choosing different schools for primarily financial reasons. Read more

Westminster College announced the availability of $50,000 in scholarships for the first time in its competency-based programs. This unique scholarship gift supports the college’s commitment to making higher education more flexible and affordable for both undergraduate and graduate students. Thanks to David Simmons, CEO of Simmons Media Group and Westminster Board of Trustees member, the Simmons Scholarship is available to new students enrolling in one of Westminster’s competency-based (online) programs. Rather than merit or need-based awards, scholarships are granted to students who best articulate why competency-based learning is a good fit for them. Read more

‘Grow Wagner’ Was Most Successful Fundraiser in College’s History

Wagner College took part in the National Day of Giving with its own “Grow Wagner” campaign — which became the most successful one-day fundraiser in the college’s 131-year history, raising $129,479 from 314 different people. Read more

Arcadia’s College of Global Studies Appoints Andrew Law as Academic Dean

Dr. Andrew Law has been appointed as the next academic dean of The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University. Dr. Law will begin his position at The College of Global Studies at Arcadia in January 2015. Dr. Law serves as director of Off-Campus Study at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Prior to his position at Denison, he held positions at Lawrence University, Macalester College, and the University of Minnesota. Read more

Nazareth’s Gagan Named to CASE District II Board

Kelly Gagan, Nazareth College’s vice president for Institutional Advancement, is a new member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II Board. CASE District II is the largest of the eight CASE Districts. It is a regional organization of advancement professionals in the areas of alumni relations, communications, and philanthropy. Its purpose is to advance the knowledge and wisdom of its members through district training programs, communication vehicles, and networking opportunities. Read more

St. Edward’s Partners with Carroll College to Offer BS in Civil Engineering

A newly created partnership provides an opportunity for students at St. Edward’s University to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Carroll College. Students enrolled in the program spend three years at St. Edward’s University and two years at Carroll College. After completing the academic requirements of both institutions, students shall be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree from St. Edward’s and the Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Carroll College.
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Valparaiso’s Biermann Reflects on His Journey to Provost

In “A Thoughtful Reflection, a Bright Future: Provost Biermann Sees Light at Valpo,” Provost Mark Biermann reflects on his career and coming to Valparaiso University earlier this year. In the article he is quoted: “I desperately miss teaching. I desperately miss being in the classroom with the students. As an academic administrator, if you don’t have a real love for teaching and scholarship, then your chances of being really effective decrease. You have to love what you’re trying to support.” Read more

Business Schools at Belmont, Scranton, and Valpo Named Among Nation’s Best

The Hampton University Department of Biological Sciences has been awarded a $900,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop vascular protection against select pathogens. Under the leadership of HU associate professor, Dr. Joanne Chan, the goal of this grant to develop new, safe and effective treatments for several infectious diseases. This initiative seeks to stimulate innovation in the discovery of pathogens, including those that can be used as bioterror weapons. Read more

John Carroll’s Boler School of Business Award U.S. Dept. of Education Grant

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded an Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program (UISFL) grant to the John M. and Mary Jo Boler School of Business at John Carroll University. The University is one of only 31 institutions nationwide to receive this award, which is part of a $2.9 million fund. The $82,000 grant represents the first year of an expected two-year commitment that will provide funds for faculty and course development, and expand the number of internships related to JCU’s International Business with Language and Culture (IBLC) program. The central focus of the IBLC major is problem solving in an international context. Offered at John Carroll since 2010, the IBLC major integrates the study of international business with advanced skills in language and culture, as well as overseas and domestic internship experiences. Read more

North Central College has welcomed Riad Ismat as scholar-in-residence for the 2014-2015 academic year. Ismat’s residence at North Central occurs as the College is establishing an innovative academic program in Middle Eastern and North African studies that will include language courses in Arabic. Ismat will serve as visiting professor of arts and letters and teach courses in playwriting, acting and directing, besides lecturing on Syria, Arabic literature and drama. An acclaimed dramatist in the Arab world with 34 books to his credit, Ismat served as Syrian minister of culture from 2010 to 2012 and also served as Syrian ambassador to Pakistan and Qatar, director general of State Radio & TV and rector of Syria’s Academy of Dramatic Arts. Amid the turmoil in his homeland, Ismat left Syria in 2012. During 2013-2014 he served as visiting professor at Northwestern University’s Buffett Center for International & Comparative Studies in Evanston before arriving at North Central College. He recently responded to a series of questions about his experiences as an artist and the situation in Syria and the value of a liberal education. Read more

Jayne Thompson, a senior lecturer in English who has been a Widener University faculty member for 18 years, and Emily DeFreitas, a senior English/creative writing major, have collaborated to edit a new book ,Letters to My Younger Self: An Anthology of Writings by Incarcerated Men at S.C.I. Graterford and a Writing Workbook. For the past three years, Thompson has been volunteering to teach creative writing to men at the prison, many of whom are serving life sentences. Read more

Over the past four months, a team of Westminster faculty and students have been conducting a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) on the potential relocation of the Utah State Prison in Draper to Tooele County. The group presented their findings to the residents and local officials of Tooele County at the Tooele County Health Department. Westminster public health professors, Dr. John Contreras and Dr. Kristine Lynch, along with graduate students Heather Bertotti Sarin (lead researcher), Brenda Henderson and Mercedes Rodriguez, were contracted by Tooele County in May of 2014 to conduct the assessment to provide decision makers with information about the potential impacts on human health, both positive and negative, that may be experienced by the prison relocation. Read more

Tristin Kilgallon, assistant professor of criminal justice in Ohio Northern University’s Department of Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice; Jordan Turner, a senior criminal justice major from Casstown, Ohio; and Enver Krivaca, a 2012 ONU graduate of the LLM program; have co-authored an article published in the 2014 spring edition of Criminal Justice Praxis, the journal of the Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education. Titled “Combatting Corruption in Kosovo Customs: Observations and Recommendations,” the article is a result of the trio going to Kosovo in summer 2013 to tour Kosovo Customs checkpoints and interview customs officials to research reasons for corruption in the country despite great amounts of money and time invested by donor nations in attempts to reform Kosovo Customs. Read more

Prospective students now have the opportunity to interact with The University of Scranton even before they step on campus. A new marketing campaign from the school implements “augmented reality,” a technology that presents users with sound, video or graphics that appear to be imposed on a live, physical environment.Posters highlighting The University’s upcoming open house events invite users to download a free app, called Layar, point their mobile device or tablet at the ad, and watch it “come to life.” Read more

St. Edward’s, University of La Verne Rank High Among Hispanic-Friendly Institutions

The college ranking site BestColleges.com placed St. Edward’s University and the University of La Verneat No. 5 and No. 7, respectively, among the “Top 50 Colleges for Hispanic Students.” La Verne ranked highly because it has a Hispanic student population of more than 40 percent, it has a Latino Student Forum and because the institution offers a graduation ceremony geared toward Latinos, in addition to a school-wide ceremony, among other criteria.

In related news, The University of La Verne became the first private institution in California to partner with TheDream.US, paving the way for undocumented students to receive as much as $25,000 in financial aid for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. TheDream.US formed less than a year ago with the goal of serving students on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protective Status (TPS), who are not eligible for federal financial aid. Both statuses are temporary, but renewable, allowing immigrants to stay in the states and gain employment. La Verne, designated a Hispanic Serving Institution with more than 50 percent of its students being the first in their families to go to college, was selected because of its commitment to diversity.

Also, five College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) students from St. Edward’s University were selected for the Monsanto Scholars Program. Each student will receive a $5,000 scholarship for the 2014-2015 school year. The St. Edward’s CAMP is dedicated to serving the higher education needs of students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Over 2,800 migrant students have accessed higher education through CAMP and St. Edward's University.

University of Redlands Releases Report on Comprehensive Internationalization

The final report of the Council on Comprehensive Internationalization at the University of Redlands is now available for review. Last fall, President Ralph Kuncl charged a University-wide council led by Associate Provost Ed Wingenbach to define projects needed to enrich the educational experience in Redland’s undergraduate and graduate international programs. The council, collaborating with special working groups (composed of faculty, staff, and administrators), has since come back with their findings, recommendations, proposals for the University, and a summary of progress made over the past year on studying this major initiative. Read more

North Central College to Establish Program in Middle Eastern and North African Studies

North Central College is establishing an innovative academic program in Middle Eastern and North African studies that will include language courses in Arabic. The new program is partially funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant. Beginning in fall 2015 the College will offer a minor in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) studies, significantly expand Oesterle Library’s holdings in MENA studies and introduce students to cultural experiences in the Chicago area and abroad. Read more

University of Evansville Announces New Physician’s Assistant Program

The University of Evansville will launch a new physician assistant program to build on its existing strength in health professions education and help meet the growing need for health care providers. The master’s-level program is slated to begin classes in January 2017 at the incoming multi-institutional academic health science and research center heading to downtown Evansville. Read more

Hampton Receives $3.5 Million to Increase Minority STEM Majors

The Hampton University First in the World Partnership (HU-FITWP) has been awarded a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The project goal is to increase the access to and affordability of a university education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines (STEM) for underrepresented, and or low-income students. Read more

Sage President Susan C. Scrimshaw Helps to Author Report on the Future of Global Health

The Sage Colleges President Susan C. Scrimshaw co-authored the report “Investing in Global Health Systems: Sustaining Gains, Transforming Lives” which was published by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. The report examines the value of American investment in health systems in low- and middle-income countries. The findings summarize how health systems improvements can lead to better health, reduce poverty, and make donor investments in health sustainable. The report also puts forth an effective strategy for donor investment in health and recommends broad priorities for health systems strengthening. Read more

University of Evansville Receives 2014 NCEES Engineering Award

The University of Evansville was only one of only six colleges to receive a 2014 National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Award for Connecting Professional Practice and Education. UE’s Civil Engineering Program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science will receive $7,500 as a winner of the competition.

For their entry, UE’s civil engineering senior design team worked with faculty, residents of Fairfield, Illinois, and licensed professional engineers on the Fairfield Reservoir and Dam project in Fairfield. Read more

Meanwhile, Belmont’s Black Student Association members Keayana Robinson, Cameron Bryant and Kristoff Hart were featured in The Huffington Post for their song and video “I Dig the Skin I’m In,” an empowering testament to their refusal to be anything less than comfortable in their own skin despite the things that have been said to them.

As entry into professional health and medical schools becomes more competitive, a new partnership between Drury and Jordan Valley Community Health Center (JVCHC) gives undergraduates the chance to experience and work in a real-world medical setting well before they take that next step in their academic careers. Read more

The Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) at Widener University was awarded a grant from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to begin a Center for Integrative Medicine Internship Program, which will offer students internship opportunities in health psychology for the 2014-15 academic year. Read more

Samford University's fall 2014 enrollment has reached an all-time high of 4,933. The total exceeds last year’s record of 4,833 and is the sixth consecutive year of record fall enrollment. Included in the totals are 3,051 undergraduates and a record 1,882 graduate and professional students. Three programs saw significant increases over fall 2013: undergraduate business, up 13 percent; graduate nursing, 20 percent; and graduate education, 23 percent. Read more

Wagner Alumni Salaries Rank High in New York State

According to PayScale’s annual rankings of alumni salaries and return on investment for American colleges and universities, Wagner College graduates ranked #14 in New York State for salary potential of bachelor's degree graduates (out of 183 four-year colleges and universities in NYS). Read more

Nazareth College Creates Campus Illuminated in Green

Nazareth College is taking energy savings to a new level by becoming one of the first colleges nationwide to complete an overhaul of its campus lighting. The 150 acre, tree-lined campus, will soon be lit by more than 600 energy-efficient LED lights, reducing the College’s electricity needs by more than 70% and cutting the equivalent carbon emissions by more than 350 tons a year. It is one of the largest projects of its size in the nation. Read more

University of Scranton to Offer Doctorate of Nursing Practice

The University of Scranton will offer its second doctoral degree – a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Offered through an innovative “executive format,” Scranton’s DNP prepares students to excel in the increasingly demanding field of nursing. Read more

John Carroll Launches the Mike Cleary Program in Sports Studies

John Carroll University has established the Mike Cleary Program in Sports Studies, a new academic major to help students gain and develop the knowledge and abilities to succeed in leadership roles in sports administration, coaching, and other careers. Read more

North Central Launches New Media Studies Department

North Central College is launching a new media studies department this fall to prepare students for the increasingly dynamic media field. The new department combines journalism, broadcast communication and interactive media studies (IMS). The popular IMS major blends art, computer science, English and communication. Read more

Valparaiso Begins Accelerated Physician Assistant Program

Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has begun accepting applications for an accelerated Physician Assistant program. In five years, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

University of La Verne Chief Financial Officer named CFO of the Year

The Los Angeles Business Journal named University of La Verne Chief Financial Officer Avedis “Avo” Kechichian “CFO of the Year” during a ceremony in Los Angeles. Kechichian was among 42 finalists representing a wide variety of private and public companies, as well as government and nonprofit organizations.
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College Rankings Round-up

New American Colleges and Universities were mentioned in several rankings and listings this month.

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2015
U.S. News & World Report released their annual Best Colleges issue online this week. Eighty percent of NAC&U members ranked as regional universities were in the top 20 in their respective regions. All but two NAC&U members are regarded as regional universities. See below for rankings by region as well as highlights of additional rankings data.

Redlands was listed as a ”Best Value” in the region and #1 on the “Best Colleges for Veterans” list.

St. Edward’s and Pacific Lutheran were #2 and #4, respectively, on the “Best Colleges for Veterans” list.

All of the NAC&U schools in this region were listed as “A+ Schools for B Students.”

National
University of La Verne #166 • Widener University #189

Both La Verne and Widener were recognized as “Best Colleges for Veterans.”

Washington Monthly’s Contribution to the Public GoodTen members were among the top 90 schools recognized for their contribution to the public good in three categories: Social Mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), Research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and PhDs), and Service (encouraging students to give something back to their country). Half of the members named were in the top 25. Members ranked as follows:

Money Magazine’s Best Colleges for Your Money
Money magazine listed Manhattan College as #40 and John Carroll University as #95 in the nation in its “Best Colleges for Your Money” rankings. Valparaiso University also made the list at #214. Institutions were evaluated based on 17 factors in three categories: educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Great Colleges to Work ForAccording to a 2014 survey by the Chronicle of Higher Education, North Central College and Westminster College are two of the best colleges in the nation to work for. Results are based on a survey of more than 43,500 employees at 278 colleges and universities. In the survey, Westminster employees lauded the school in the following four recognition categories: collaborative governance; teaching environment; facilities, workspace and security; and job satisfaction.

Wagner College was also listed as #1 in Best College Theater, and its student newspaper ranked among the country’s top 20 collegiate news publications. Wagner was also listed among the “Great Schools for Health Services Majors” for the second year in a row. Nazareth College was ranked #17 for Best College Theater, and The University of Scranton was among the 20 “Best Run Colleges” in the nation.

Forbes’ Americas Top CollegesFifteen NAC&U members were listed on Forbes 2014 Top Colleges list, produced in partnership with the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity. The rankings assessed five general categories, with several component factors within each category, including student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt, four-year graduation rate and academic success. Members on the list were Belmont University, Hamline University, John Carroll University, Manhattan College, North Central College, Pacific Lutheran University, Samford University, Stetson University, The Sage Colleges, The University of Scranton, University of Evansville, University of La Verne, University of Redlands, Valparaiso University, and Wagner College.

Great Value Colleges’ Great Affordable CollegesThe University of Evansville and Valparaiso University were recognized among 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Midwest by Great Value Colleges. UE was ranked 3rd in the Private School category.

U.S. Veterans Magazine Top Veteran-Friendly Schools
In the summer issue of the U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM), the University of Evansville was recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly School on the magazines 2014 Best of the Best Lists. UE was the only private university in Indiana, and one of only two colleges in the state, to receive this distinction.

Research and Grants

Manhattan College Receives Grant to Study Higgs Boson

The Large Hadron Collider, a 17-mile subterranean tunnel that enabled the discovery of the Higgs boson. (photo courtesy of Maximilien Brice, CERN)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Manhattan College a grant in the amount of $226,446 to conduct research during the next three years on Higgs boson, the subatomic particle that accounts for the creation of mass, essentially allowing human life to exist. Rostislav Konoplich, Ph.D., professor of physics and a member of ATLAS, one of the two international teams that collaborated to pinpoint the Higgs boson in 2012, will spearhead the research with undergraduate students at the College. Read more

Hampton University Awarded $1.5 Million to Prepare Students for Biomedical Research Careers

The Hampton University Department of Biological Sciences has been awarded a five year $1.5 million dollar grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) program at Hampton University. This program addresses the need to reduce the disparity in the number of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical research careers and therefore addresses the needs for the U.S. to remain optimally competitive and productive in the 21st century. Read more

Hirings & Appointments

St. Edward’s University Welcomes New Deans, VP for Financial Affairs

St. Edward’s University welcomed new senior leadership in the School of Natural Sciences, The Bill Munday School of Business and the Office of Financial Affairs. Gary Morris, PhD, is the new dean of the School of Natural Sciences; Nancy Schreiber, PhD, is the new dean of The Bill Munday School of Business; and Kimberly Kvaal is the new Vice President for Financial Affairs. Read more

John Carroll Appoints Assistant Provost and Vice President for Mission and Identity

John Carroll University has appointed Terry L. Mills, Ph.D., as the University’s first Assistant Provost for Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer, effective August 18. Read more

John Carroll University also has appointed Edward J. Peck, Ph.D., as vice president for university mission and identity, effective August 15. Read more

Hampton Appoints New Deans and a Director

Hampton University is preparing for the new academic year with two promotions of faculty/staff, as well as welcoming a new face. Dr. Linda Malone-Colon was named dean of the HU School of Liberal Arts; Dr. Almarie E. Munley was named dean of the HU University College; and Ms. Tina D. Rollins was named director of the William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library. Read more

Enrollment

Belmont Reaches New High of 7,301 Students for Fall 2014 Enrollment

Belmont University announced a Fall 2014 enrollment of 7,301 students, putting the thriving University at more than double its enrollment from 2000 (2,976 students) and up 5.5 percent from last fall’s total of 6,915. Applications for undergraduate and graduate admissions for Fall 2014 also saw an increase of 12.5 percent and resulted in the University’s largest freshman class to date with 1,420 students. Read more

Total Enrollment Increases for Three Consecutive Years at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University expects to welcome nearly 1,000 new undergraduate students when classes begin Tuesday for the fall 2014 semester. Valpo anticipates total enrollment will be nearly 4,525 — the largest in 34 years. Read more

Scranton Welcomes its Largest Freshmen Class to Date

At 1,086 members, the Class of 2018 is the largest in the University of Scranton’s history, surpassing the previous record of 1,054 students set by the Class of 2015. Read more

University of Redlands Welcomes Most Diverse Class in its History

The University of Redlands welcomed the most diverse class in its history, including 27 percent first generation students and 51 students international students. The class includes published authors and poets, a student who built a float in the Rose Parade, an actor of television and film, a U.S. Marine veteran, cancer survivors, and volunteers for a variety of causes, including animal shelters, Alzheimer’s assistance, and political campaigns. Read more

Westminster Welcomes Freshmen Class with Highest GPA in Recent History

Westminster welcomed the Class of 2018 as 487 students began their first day of classes, hailing from 13 countries and 33 states. The class also boasted the highest high school grade-point average in recent history. Read more

Awards & Achievements

Samford Exceeds Campaign Goal More than Four Months Early

President Andrew Westmoreland announced that Samford University had exceeded its goal for “A Campaign for Samford” more than four months early. As of Aug. 15, gifts and pledges totaling $200,155,265 had been received from 17,381 donors, representing the largest fundraising effort in the university’s 173-year history. Gift amounts ranged from 36 cents to $13.4 million. The campaign launched in October 2009 with a goal of $200 million. Read more

Stetson CFO Wins National Business Award

F. Robert Huth, vice president for business and chief financial officer at Stetson University, received national recognition as the 2014 Distinguished Business Officer by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) at the July annual meeting. Read more

In their letter of recommendation to the nomination committee, signed by both Stetson President Wendy B. Libby and Provost Beth Paul, they listed several descriptors of Bob Huth as reasons why he should receive this top NACUBO award. They included: “a system thinker for One Stetson; a builder, not a maintainer; a calculated risk taker; a trusted communicator and teacher; one who is committed to strategy above all and service to the profession, with an endearing sense of humor.”

La Verne College of Law Dean Gilbert Holmes to be Awarded by State Bar of California

The State Bar of California named University of La Verne College of Law Dean Gilbert Holmes the first recipient of the Annual Presidential Awards for his efforts to provide access to justice. Read more

Unique Stories

Drury Students Settle in with Dinner at Faculty Homes

Part of Drury’s four-day new student orientation includes Sunday evening dinner and dessert with faculty. Groups of students gather at faculty homes and in some campus locations for food and conversation. It’s moment of personal connection in a time of transition. Read more

Young African Leaders Study Civic Leadership at Wagner

A group of 25 young African leaders from 19 sub-Saharan countries is studying community and nonprofit organizations at Wagner College. The Wagner College cohort is part of President Barack Obama’s Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, which has placed 500 men and women in programs at 20 colleges and universities across America this summer. Read more

Arcadia Class Makes Headlines in Sierra Leone

by Christopher Sarachilli, ‘14In late spring, the Ministry of Youth Affairs in Sierra Leone hosted Arcadia University students in Freetown, the nation’s capital, garnering notice in local newspapers such as The Exclusive and The Awareness Times, as well as on the country’s national television station. Students traveled to the West African country from May 25 to June 5 as part of Beyond Conflict in Sierra Leone, a Global Field Study course taught by Associate Professor Dr. Jennifer Riggan and Fodeba Daboh ’11M, a graduate of Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution program. Read more

Hamline Names Sr. VP for Business, Finance and Technology

Hamline University is pleased to announce the appointment of Margaret Tungseth as senior vice president for business, finance and technology. Tungseth comes to Hamline from Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she currently serves as treasurer and vice president for finance and administration. At Hamline, Tungseth will provide leadership and management of the university’s finance, ITS, facilities services, and human resources departments. She will begin her duties at Hamline on September 1. Read more

Liberal Education, Soft Skills, and Success

The Huffington Post published a blog written by University of Evansville President Thomas Kazee in which he wrote about how liberal education teaches ‘soft skills’ necessary for success in career and life. Read more

Hampton University Named 2014 HBCU of the Year

Hampton University was named the HBCU of the Year at the fourth annual HBCU Awards ceremony on July 11. The award was one of three of the evening for Hampton, which also won top honors for research and women’s athletics. Read more

Hampton University Administrators Travel to China with U.S. Secretary of State

Hampton University’s Provost Dr. Pamela Hammond and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Barbara Inman traveled to Beijing, China this week along with United States Secretary of State John Kerry as part of the fifth U.S-China Consultation on People to People Exchange (CPE). The effort is designed to enhance and strengthen ties between U.S. citizens and the People’s Republic of China in the areas of culture, education, science and technology, sports and women’s issues. Read more

Manhattan College Launches Campus-Wide Energy Conservation Project

Manhattan College launched a $2.3 million water and energy-saving project that is expected to save an estimated $652,000 per year in utility costs and reduce electricity use by nearly 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall 2014 semester. By implementing energy and water conservation measures, Manhattan College expects to conserve an estimated 6.3 million gallons of water and avoid the equivalent annual emissions from 433 passenger vehicles, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. Read more

Westminster Awarded Grant to Diversify STEM Education

Westminster College is one of 20 institutions selected for a national initiative called Teaching to Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM (TIDES). As a TIDES school, Westminster received a $285,731 grant to increase diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. Computer Science Professor Helen Hu will use the grant to create innovative new course combinations that are designed to excite freshmen about the versatility of technology. Read more

Samford University's Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing has received the third largest award nationally of the 92 Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) grants for 2014-15. This is the 12th year for Samford to receive the grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Samford's grant of $1,310,955 is third only to Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and Wayne State University in Michigan. It is one of only four grants nationally that exceed $1 million. Read more

Pacific Lutheran to Offer MS in Marketing Research Degree

Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Business is accepting applications for the first cohort of its latest master’s degree, the Master of Science in Marketing Research (MSMR). The program will begin in September 2015, making PLU the only university on the West Coast to offer a dedicated MSMR degree. Read more

Barbara Nodine to Serve as Provost, VP for Academic Affairs at Arcadia for 2014-15

Arcadia University announced that Barbara Nodine, Ph.D., who has served for more than four decades in faculty and leadership positions at the University, will serve as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for the 2014-15 academic year. During this time, Arcadia will conduct an international search for the University’s next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Read more

Dr. Perry Moulds Appointed Vice President of Development, External Relations at Belmont

Following a four-month nationwide search, Belmont University announced that Dr. Perry Moulds, senior director of development for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, has been named vice president for development and external relations. He will begin his new role at Belmont on Aug. 5. Read more

Keith Brower Joins Manhattan College as the New Dean of the School of Arts

Manhattan College welcomed Keith Brower, Ph.D., a seasoned professor of modern languages, as dean of the College’s School of Arts, effective July 1. In his new role he will oversee and lead 15 academic departments, which encompass 16 majors and 12 minors as the school continues to embark on new opportunities. Read more

Stetson Appoints Associate Provost

Dr. Rosalie Richards, nationally recognized leader in undergraduate research, faculty development, inclusive excellence and cultural competence, STEM, and STEM education, joined Stetson University as associate provost for Faculty Development and professor of Chemistry and Education, effective July 21, 2014. Read more

Stetson Appoints Associate Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs

Dr. Madhu Rao, former senior associate dean at The Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University in Oregon, has been appointed associate dean of Undergraduate Business Programs in Stetson’s School of Business Administration, as of June 15. In his new role, Rao will help lead Stetson’s initiatives for interdisciplinary programs throughout the university and help build extensions into experiential learning methods and programs. Read more

Tropello Named Spiro Nursing School Dean at Wagner

Wagner College’s Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing announced that Associate Professor Paula Tropello, previously the chairwoman of the college’s nursing program, has been named dean of the Spiro Nursing School. Read more

Westminster College Announces Dr. Lucille Sansing as Interim Provost

Westminster College has selected Lucille Sansing, Ph.D., as the new interim provost for the college. Dr. Sansing, formerly the interim chief academic officer and president of Trident University International, began her position on July 14. Read more

Arcadia University has announced that Rebecca Craik, PT, PhD, FAPTA, has been named dean for its College of Health Sciences, and Philip McClure, PT, PhD, FAPTA, has been named chair of its Department of Physical Therapy. The two have a combined total of more than 36 years of service to Arcadia University in faculty and leadership positions. Read more

Samford Announces Three New Administrative Appointments

Samford University announced the following administrative appointments:

Mary Sue Baldwin will assume a new title of chief institutional effectiveness officer in the office of the president.

Nancy Biggio will become associate provost for administration.

Chris Metress will have an expanded role as associate provost for academics. He will continue with the special projects he has undertaken as University Professor to increase faculty and student opportunities for academic excellence. He will also have administrative involvement with University Fellows, the Office of Global Engagement, Air Force ROTC, General Education, and other academic programs. Read more

John Carroll Renews President’s Contract, Appoints Provost

The John Carroll University board of directors has renewed the contract of Rev. Robert L. Niehoff, S.J., as president. The board unanimously voted in May to extend Father Niehoff’s term through June 2020.Read more

Jeanne M. Colleran, Ph.D., will become provost and academic vice president of John Carroll University, effective Aug. 4, 2014. The decision was made after an extensive national search. Most recently, Dr. Colleran served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at John Carroll University. Read more

The University of Scranton Names New Provost and SVP for Academic Affairs

Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., will serve as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs of The University of Scranton, effective July 1. Dr. Boomgaarden currently serves as dean of the College of Music and Fine Arts at Loyola University New Orleans, a position he has held since 2009. Read more

Valparaiso University Appoints Special Assistant to the Provost for Inclusion

Valparaiso University has named Professor Phillip Powell, Ed.D., as Special Assistant to the Provost for Inclusion, effective June 1, 2014. Powell currently serves on Valpo’s faculty in the communication department. Read more

Widener to Offer $100,000 Scholarships to Every Student at Local Charter School

Widener University announced that it would award $100,000 college scholarships to every eighth-grade student who graduates from Widener Partnership Charter School in Chester and attends Widener University. Read more

Wagner College to Offer Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Beginning this August, Wagner College’s Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing will enroll the first cohort in its new Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Read more

Shoes for an Entire Nation: Samford’s Global Outreach Takes on a Daunting Goal

Samford University President Andrew Westmoreland announced last March that the university would undertake a significant goal: provide shoes to the children of an entire nation. In doing so, the school hopes to foster the meaning of the university's mission as well as its vision for the future. Samford has aligned its resources with Charlotte, N.C.-based Samaritan's Feet to shoe the entire nation of Dominica. Read more

Westminster Graduates Largest Class at 2014 Commencement Ceremony

Westminster College graduated its largest class of 977 students on May 31, 2014, at the Maverik Center. Approximately 610 undergraduates and 367 graduate students participated in this year’s event. Read more

Nazareth President Reflects on the Anniversary of the Brown Decision

A blog on the Huffington Post from Nazareth College President Daan Braveman. Braveman reflects on the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. Read more

NAC&U Members Earn National Recognition for “Green” Efforts

The Princeton Review has named Drury University, North Central College, Pacific Lutheran University, Stetson University and Westminster College to its annual “Guide to 322 Green Colleges.” The U.S. Green Building Council also has awarded the Drury University’s University Suites residential building with a LEED Platinum certification. For more information: Drury | North Central | Westminster

Hampton Receives NSF grant for Computing Pre-College Program

The Hampton University Department of Computer Science received a $397,000 grant from the National Science Foundation that will be used to equip incoming freshman students with the necessary tools to achieve in the field of computer science. This summer the Department of Computer Science will offer its first Computing Pre-College program. The funds will be used over the next three years for incoming freshmen computer science/ computer information systems students to sharpen their computational thinking and programming skills. Read more

Sage Names New Chief Financial Officer

Patrick Jacobson-Schulte will serve as chief financial officer of The Sage Colleges, effective June 9. Jacobson-Schulte will replace retiring CFO Peter Hughes, Ed.D., who has served as Sage’s vice president for finance and treasurer since 2009. Jacobson-Schulte comes to Sage from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota where he served as the associate vice president for financial management and budget.

Hamline Nationally Ranked as One of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs

After a national study, Hamline Student Affairs has been named one of the "30+ Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs" by Diverse magazine. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education has teamed up with the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) to conduct this study. Read more

President Emeritus Harold Wilde Named North Central College Life Trustee

Harold R. Wilde, President Emeritus of North Central College, has been named a Life Trustee of the College. Wilde served as trustee and president for 22 years before his retirement in 2012. Life Trustees are retired from active board status and provide ongoing counsel to the College. Read more

Stetson Approves a New Strategic Map

After months of work and vetting with the broad Stetson community, the University has emerged with a new Strategic Map that received unanimous approval at the Board of Trustees’ May meeting. Read more

Nazareth College Partners with Industry Leaders to Design New Integrated Marketing Communications Master’s Program

In response to a demand for marketing professionals with the skills to be successful in today’s multi-channeled, media rich marketplace, Nazareth College’s School of Management is introducing a master of science in integrated marketing communications (IMC) in fall 2014. Nazareth College has partnered with a team of national and regional experts connected to emerging needs in the marketing communications industry to create, support, and continuously evaluate the College’s newest program. Read more

Faculty-Student Research Provides a Cornerstone of the PLU Mission

Recently Pacific Lutheran celebrated research projects from the three divisions of its College of Arts and Sciences—Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. The posters, articles and videos on display provide a window onto activities that are at the core of Pacific Lutheran University’s mission: scholarship and student learning. Read more

University of Evansville Annual Fund Hits Landmark Goal of $1,000,000

The University of Evansville Office of Development announced that a landmark goal of $1,000,000 was achieved at the conclusion of the 2013-14 Annual Fund campaign. Money raised for the annual fund will benefit UE students in the form of scholarships and financial aid. Read more

Hamline’s President Hanson to Retire June 2015

Hamline University President Linda Hanson will retire, effective June 30, 2015, at which time she will have completed 10 years of dedicated service to Hamline University. Under President Hanson’s leadership, the university has moved forward in several strategic areas. In the past nine years, Hamline launched its School of Business and competitive MBA program; developed and opened a second campus serving students in the West Metro Twin Cities; created and successfully marketed several new academic programs; achieved recognition as the top-ranked private law school in Minnesota; and maintained recognition as the top-ranked regional, comprehensive university in Minnesota. Read more

Sage Names New Provost

The Sage Colleges is pleased to announce that Susan Beatty, Ph.D. has accepted the position of provost of The Sage Colleges. Beatty will replace retiring provost Terry Weiner, Ph.D. who has served as provost since 2010. Read more

Jerome DeSanto Joins John Carroll as Executive Vice President

Jerome P. DeSanto, Ed.D., joined John Carroll University as executive vice president, effect March 17, 2014. DeSanto most recently served as vice president for planning and chief information officer for the University of Scranton.

Pacific Lutheran President Funds Student Internship

Starting this year, one Pacific Lutheran University student with an unpaid summer internship will be awarded $2,000, thanks to the debut of the Patricia L. and Thomas W. Krise Endowed Internship Fund. Read more

North Central President Emeritus Wilde Published, Interviewed for Advise on Selecting Commencement Speakers

Former president of North Central College Harold Wilde publisehd an April 7 op-ed story about the unique challenges college presidents face in securing Commencement speakers on zocalopublicsquare.org. It was subsequently published by Time.com and NPR, resulting in wide online distribution and an on-air interview on NPR’s “All Things Considered” weekend program. Read more

St. Edward’s University Honors Entrepreneur and Supporter with Naming of Business School

St. Edward’s University has named its school of business in honor of an extraordinary business leader, humanitarian and friend of the university – Bill Munday. With businesses in the automobile industry, healthcare and real estate, Bill is known for his business acumen. But he is also known as a generous philanthropist and was named with Pat, his wife of 45 years, Philanthropist of the Year in 2008 by the Austin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Bill and Pat are the university’s largest donors, having contributed more than $36 million since 2003. Read more

Manhattan Launches Interdisciplinary Ethics Minor

Manhattan College is now offering an interdisciplinary minor in ethics in conjunction with the Philosophy department and Schools of Arts, Business, Education and Health, Engineering and Science.The new minor addresses both practical and theoretical issues in order to inform students about ethical challenges that they may face at work and in their daily lives. Read more

NAC&U Members Ranked Among U.S. News’ 2015 Best Graduate Schools

Congratulations to several NAC&U members who were ranked among the best graduate schools in the nation. They include:

The University of Scranton’s online graduate program in education ranked No. 6 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked the University’s online MBA program No. 51 in the country and the University’s part-time MBA program No. 132 in the nation. The University’s graduate programs also ranked on the U.S. News website include: rehabilitation counseling (30); healthcare management (46); occupational therapy (69); physical therapy (99); and nursing (193). Read more

Samford University's Cumberland School of Law is once again ranked among the top 10 in the 2015 list of law schools with the best programs in trial advocacy training. Cumberland tied for sixth place in the category. Read more

At #121 on the “Best Law Schools” list, Hamline University School of Law is now the top-ranked private law school in Minnesota. Read more

The Jack C. Massey Graduate School of Business at Belmont University was recognized in the top half of the list of 310 ranked part-time MBA programs. Read more

Manhattan College Ranks 15th in Nation for ROI According to Survey of Graduates

The Payscale 2014 College Return on Investment (ROI) Report cites Manhattan College as No. 15 out of more than 900 institutions nationwide. In Payscale’s recent 2014 College Return on Investment (ROI) Report, Manhattan College ranked No. 15 in the nation for offering bachelor’s degrees with value. The College was evaluated among more than 900 colleges and universities, and also was the leading institution for religiously affiliated schools. Read more

Sage Named to 2014 “New York Colleges of Distinction” List

The Sage Colleges have been recognized as a 2014 “New York College of Distinction.” This is the third year in a row Sage has earned the designation.“Colleges of Distinction” is a college guide that recognizes colleges which are the best places to learn, to grow, and to succeed. Read more

Sage Trustees Approve Tuition Freeze for Fifth Year in a Row

The trustees of the Sage Colleges approved a 0% increase in undergraduate tuition during their recent winter board meeting. This marks the fifth year the board has held tuition flat. Read more

President Guarasci Named Chairman of Campus Compact Board

Wagner College President Richard Guarasci has been named chairman of the board of Campus Compact, a nonprofit coalition of 1,100 college and university presidents committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education. President Guarasci assumes his post from outgoing chair James B. Dworkin, chancellor of Purdue University North Central, on July 1. Read more

Arcadia University Provost Elected to ACAO Leadership Position

Dr. Steve O. Michael, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Arcadia University, has been elected to the Executive Committee and the Board of the newly established Association of Chief Academic Officers (ACAO). The ACAO is the first national organization representing chief academic officers (CAOs) from accredited higher education institutions. The organization provides a forum for discussing important national academic issues and an environment where CAOs can communicate with one another. Read more

Hampton University School of Science Awarded Grant to Build Super Computer

The Hampton University School of Science has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s HBCU-Research Infrastructure in Science and Engineering (RISE) program. The $1 million grant will be used to build a high-performance computer cluster for Numerical Modeling and Simulation. Read more

National Science Foundation Provides New Scholarships for St. Edward's University Students

A $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will be used to provide scholarships and academic support for high-achieving math and science students at St. Edward’s University. Read more

Widener Building New Residence Hall to Address Increased Enrollment and Retention

Widener University will break ground this summer on a new 200-bed residence hall to address growing housing needs on campus due to increases in undergraduate enrollment and student retention. Read more

Stetson Names Ulmer Vice President for Development

Stetson University has named Jeffrey A. Ulmer as vice president for development and alumni engagement. Ulmer joins Stetson from the University of Central Florida where he serves as assistant vice president overseeing fundraising at multiple academic colleges. Read more

Valparaiso University Commercial Earns National Recognition

The Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications at Valparaiso University is a Silver (the highest honor) and Bronze winner in the 35th Annual Telly Awards for their advertisement titled “Where Passion Meets Purpose.” There were nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries.

Valparaiso University Selects Next Provost

Mark L. Biermann, Ph.D., will join Valparaiso University as incoming provost and executive vice president for academic affairs effective July 1, 2014. In his role, Biermann will be responsible for leadership and oversight of the University’s academic programs as well as student affairs, including campus ministries, international programs, and diversity initiatives. Read more

Belmont Professor, Students Receive Grant for Research in China

Asian Studies and Chinese Language Assistant Professor Dr. Qingjun (Joan) Li and four of her students – Anna Croghan, Samantha Hubner, Joseph Minga and Ryan Pino – recently were awarded an ASIANetwork/Freeman Foundation Student-Faculty Fellows Grant. Of 27 team applications, only eight were selected for grants which will fully fund the team’s research project in China this summer. Read more

Hamline’s Arts in Health Class Leads into Internships

A new class in Hamline University’s College of Liberal Arts merged what could be thought of as vastly different disciplines, art and public health. The Arts in Health class, offered for the first time during January term of 2014, allowed students to explore real-world applications of art in the health field and the relationship of creativity to health. The class also served as a prerequisite for a valuable professional opportunity, an art therapy internship at Shriners Children’s Hospital. Read more

Arcadia University One of Six Schools Accepted into Peace Corps Prep Program

Arcadia University is one of six schools accepted into the Peace Corps Prep Program, an academic and service initiative designed to build solid cultural awareness and develop practical skills sought by the Peace Corps, other non-profit organizations, and global employers. The program at Arcadia will begin in fall 2014, with applications being accepted this spring. The program will provide several opportunities for Arcadia students to share service learning experiences, make connections with others both on and off campus, and build their futures in global careers. Read more

Samford Sets Spring Enrollment Record of 4,698

Samford University has set another record for spring semester enrollment. Spring 2014 enrollment is 4,698, topping the record spring enrollment of 4,605 set in 2012. The 2014 totals are 106 students higher than the spring 2013 enrollment. Read more

Manhattan College President Elected to ACCU’s Board of Directors

Brennan O’Donnell, president of Manhattan College, was recently elected to the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities Board of Directors. ACCU’s Board oversees the work of the association to encourage and facilitate the sharing of ideas and cooperative efforts among its member institutions, and to promote the positive work being done at its member colleges and universities. The terms of the new presidents begin immediately and run until 2017. Read more

The Hampton University School of Business is one of four institutions recently awarded the Minority Retirement and Security grant which focuses on the promotion of financial literacy research and workshops in primarily low-income African-American communities. Read more

Valparaiso Welcomes New Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration

Valparaiso University has selected John Palmucci as the senior vice president for finance and administration. Most recently Palmucci served as the vice president for finance and treasurer at Loyola University Maryland. He begins employment at the University on April 14. Read more

Stetson Wins 11 Communication and Marketing Awards at CASE

Stetson’s University Marketing Office won 11 communications awards from CASE III (Council for Advancement and Support of Education, District III), including three Grand Awards, the district’s highest honor. Read more

Pacific Lutheran University Named One of Nation’s Greenest Campuses

Pacific Lutheran University was named as one of the nation’s 50 greenest colleges and universities by BestColleges.com. The list, released Feb. 17, ranked institutions that have distinguished themselves by launching the most impactful initiatives to reduce on-campus waste and energy consumption, promote alternative transportation, provide funding to student and faculty-led green proposals and take other measures to benefit the environment. Read more

Innovative New Digital Media Arts Lab Opens at Hamline

Hamline University has built an innovative digital media arts lab to accommodate growth in the digital media arts major and foster group collaboration among students. Read more

Widener Signs the Green Chemistry Commitment

Widener University has signed the Green Chemistry Commitment, joining 17 other colleges and universities at the forefront of a national effort to transform university-level chemistry education. Widener is the first institution to sign in Pennsylvania. Read more

US News Ranks Scranton MBA Among Top 5 Financial Values in Nation

The University of Scranton’s MBA ranked No. 5 in the nation for having the best financial value at graduation according to a U.S. News & World Report list released Jan. 21. The ranking compared the average salaries at graduation to the average student loan debt for MBA programs across the country. Read more

North Central College Names Marty Sauer and Kimberly Sluis to Vice President Positions

North Central College has named Marty Sauer as vice president for enrollment management and athletics and Kimberly Sluis ’99 as vice president for student affairs and dean of students. Sauer is the College’s dean of admission and financial aid and Sluis is dean of students. The promotions are effective Feb. 1, the day Laurie Hamen, North Central College vice president for enrollment management, athletics and student affairs, begins serving as the ninth president of Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Read more

Valparaiso University Introduces Business Analytics Degree

The College of Business at Valparaiso University has developed a new major in business analytics, joining an emerging trend in higher education seeking to address a growing marketplace need. Read more

Hampton President Makes Donation to Increase Hourly Staff Wages

Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey and Mrs. Norma B. Harvey have given a $108,403 personal gift to Hampton to support a wage increase for all full-time permanent staff earning less than $9 an hour. Through this donation, 121 full-time, permanent staff employees will receive a wage increase equal to $9 an hour. The Harveys have made two similar donations to the University in the past. Read more

Nazareth College's Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute (WRI) is the recipient of a $250,000 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) grant awarded by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. The grant is part of the $715.9 million awarded through Round Three of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. Nazareth's WRI project will create new capacity and opportunity to meet growing workforce needs in the field of healthcare. The WRI Project will break ground in March 2014 and will be ready for students and clients in 2015. Read more

John Carroll’s Advancement Division Wins Awards

Both the Office of Alumni Relations and Integrated Marketing and Communications at John Carroll University were honored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s (CASE) District V. The Alumni Relations team received an Honorable Mention for its Alumni Chapter Program in the Best Volunteer Engagement Program category. Integrated Marketing and Communications was awarded honors in four categories: Best Video Features; Best Alumni/Institution Magazines; Excellence in Design, Posters; and Best Graphic Identity/Logo.

Additionally, The Society of Professional Journalists recognized John Walsh, university editor and director of publications, and John Carroll magazine for two awards. Read more

Snow, Acts of Kindness Blanket Samford Campus

Random acts of kindness were everywhere on the Samford University campus in late January as the university responded to an unexpected winter storm that dumped several inches of snow on the Birmingham area. Snow and ice, coupled with traffic gridlock across the metropolitan area caused several hundred Samford commuting students and employees to be stranded on campus. Residence life staff and resident students collected sleeping bags, pillows, linens and extra toiletries and delivered them to stranded employees and students staying in offices and campus buildings. On-campus resident students invited stranded students to share their rooms and bathrooms for the night. Some employees even took advantage of their sons and daughters who live on campus to unexpectedly share their rooms for the night. Good deeds went beyond the Samford community, however, as students provided snacks for motorists stranded along Lakeshore Drive, the state highway that fronts the campus. Read more

Redlands Outdoor Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary

In May 2004, two students from the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies designed and implemented the University of Redland's first Outdoor Education May Term Travel Course throughout California and Utah. The success of that course led to the development of Outdoor Programs, which endeavors to get students off campus to experience the mountains, deserts and ocean of Southern California. It has grown to include additional academic courses, opportunities for leadership development and training, local outreach and community service, pre-freshman orientation programs, and May Term Travel Courses including trips to Nepal, South Africa, Australia, and the European Alps. Read more

Wagner College Theatre Wins Community Enrichment Award

Wagner College and the Wagner College Theatre were honored by Staten Island’s Minty Organization for the Performing Arts with its inaugural Community Enrichment Award. Read more

Scranton Professor Pens Op-Ed about Investing in Liberal Arts for Huffington PostThinking Like an Investor... About the Liberal Arts

Joe Kraus, associate professor and director of the Honors Program at The University of Scranton wrote about the investment in a liberal arts education in the Huffington Post. He began:

“If you think of a college education as the stock market, what are the "value buys," what are, to paraphrase Warren Buffett, the "companies" with strong fundamentals and long track records that other investors are overlooking?

Today's conventional wisdom often shouts at students to select vocational majors such as accounting, nursing or business because, so the surveys say, that's where the jobs are. The bigger question isn't where the jobs are, though, it's where they're going to be. And, if you're going to spend $200,000 on tuition, you want to prepare for a lifetime of employment not just a first job.” Read more

Scranton, Samford Online Programs Rank Among Nation’s Best

The University of Scranton’s online graduate program in education ranked No. 9 in the nation, and its online MBA program ranked No. 51, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2014 Best Online Education Programs. Graduate programs in Samford University's Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing climbed to number 24 for in the same rankings. Samford was in the top 25 percent of all the accredited nursing schools included in this year's overall rankings. The lists, published Jan. 7, ranked online programs offered by nonprofit and for-profit institutions in the United States in categories of business, education, engineering, nursing and computer information technology. For more information: US News | Samford | Scranton |

Arcadia Students Participate in History on Field Study Trip to Kosovo and Serbia

Two months after the governments of Serbia and Kosovo had reached their first-ever agreement towards normalizing relations in April, 15 students in Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) program sat down with Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi to discuss this historic shift. For three years, adjunct professor Alex N. Grigorev has led students in the IPCR program to the fractured region of the Western Balkans. This field study trip, central to the IPCR course Conflict, Governance, and State-Building, allowed students an up-close look into an area still in crisis. Read more

Nazareth Names New VP for Finance and Administration

Nazareth College has named Patrick Richey as the college’s new vice president for finance and administration. Richey has 25 years of progressive experience in senior leadership roles for higher education and government organizations as a chief financial officer. He begins his role on January 20. Richey previously worked as vice president for business and finance/treasurer at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. Read more

Stetson Law Launches Online Advocacy Journal

Stetson University College of Law has launched the inaugural issue of the Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law, a unique law review designed to be read entirely online to meet the needs of the modern reader. The Stetson Journal of Advocacy and the Law includes a range of articles related to trial work and practical advocacy skills. Read more

Samford’s Westmoreland Elected SACSCOC Board Chair

Samford University President Andrew Westmoreland has been elected chair of the board of trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). He will serve during 2014. Read more

Drury Names New Media Relations Director

Mike Brothers became the Media Relations Director for Drury University on December 16. Brothers served as the public health information officer for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department for two years. Prior to that, he worked for the City of Springfield as well as the Springfield News-Leader. Read more